US University of Washington and China's Tsinghua University launched the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) Institute in Seattle on Thursday, with a special ceremony attended by representatives from both sides.GIX is a new academic institute that unites top students and faculties with professionals and entrepreneurs in an intensive, project-based learning environment, said Ana Mari Cauce, interim president of the University of Washington.

This is the first time that a Chinese research university settles in the United States and the institute will be located in Bellevue's Spring District, a new urban development area on Seattle's East Side, which is close to multiple technology corridors and just 10 miles from the University of Washington, said Ana Mari Cauce.

GIX will begin in the fall of 2016 with an initial master's degree in technology innovation, according to a news release .

GIX creates an innovative education model that will facilitate international and interdisciplinary integration for technological innovations, Tsinghua University President Qiu Yong said in his speech.

Qiu added that GIX will be a multilateral open platform to cultivate young leaders with technical talent, entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that Microsoft's commitment to GIX is grounded in the belief that technology can empower people to achieve more and help solve the world's biggest challenges.

Nadella announced that Microsoft would allocate 40 million US dollars to support GIX. He also promised a long-term partnership with GIX at the ceremony.

"We are now celebrating another historic first today," said Jay Inslee ,governor of Washington State, "I'm certain that GIX will have lasting benefits both here in the Seattle area and also in Beijing, and more importantly across the globe," Jay Inslee concluded.